Indore: In a significant political development in Indore, Akshay Kanti Bam, the Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat, has withdrawn his nomination. This move comes just two weeks before the voting day in the Indore-Malwa region, marking a notable shift in the local political landscape.
Bam’s Withdrawal Process
On the day of his withdrawal, Akshay Kanti Bam was accompanied by BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola to the election office, where he officially withdrew his candidacy. Subsequently, Bam, along with Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and MLA Mendola, proceeded to the BJP office. It is reported that Bam is set to join the BJP, indicating a party switch that aligns with his recent actions.
Statements from Akshay Kanti Bam
Akshay Kanti Bam has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support from the Congress party since the time he filed his nomination. He alleges that Congress had been exerting pressure on him since the nomination process began, which may have contributed to his decision to withdraw.
The Case of Moti Singh
The situation is further complicated by the rejection of the nomination of Moti Singh, who was positioned as a ‘dummy’ candidate by the Congress. The party had anticipated potential issues with Bam’s nomination, which led to Singh’s nomination as a precautionary measure. However, with Bam’s nomination being accepted and his subsequent withdrawal, Singh’s nomination was rendered invalid.
Legal and Institutional Pressures
Sources suggest that Akshay Kanti Bam faced increasing pressure following a court ruling that intensified legal scrutiny on an older case involving him. Additionally, there were concerns about potential actions against educational institutions after the elections, which may have influenced Bam’s decision.
Echoes of Surat
This incident mirrors a previous occurrence in Surat, Gujarat, where a Congress candidate withdrew their nomination. In a similar turn of events, candidates from other parties and independents also withdrew, leading to an uncontested victory for the BJP in that region.
The unfolding of these events has sparked discussions and speculations in political circles, as the Congress party grapples with the implications of Bam’s unexpected withdrawal and the potential impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Indore.
